Making Money in High School

So, let's say that I'm a 18 year old high school student and interested in making a few extra bucks on the side. What are my options? 1) Part-time job in fast-food? 2) Working at my dad's office? 3) Babysitting my neighbor's 7 year old son? 4) Mowing my neighbor's grass (provided that it is during spring or summer)? 5) Collecting money for writing about something that I enjoy?

Hmmm, Number 1 I've tried before and didn't like, #2 is very boring, #3 I can't stand b/c I don't like the 7 year old, and #4 is of interest but its winter and grass doesn't grow this time off year.

Hmmm, #5. Maybe I should explore. But how do I make money on posting information about something that I like? Well, let's say that you are really into cars. So much so, that you can rattle off features, models, and designs of any major auto distributor. Why not make a web page about cars or, better yet, create a blog that does nothing but communicate with other car enthusiasts about cars?

So how to make money? Try Adsense. Google's ad feature allows you to create blogs and webpages and have Google find the advertisers for your site. Advertisers see the relevant content of your page and decide to advertise their product or service. You simply collect the ad payment each month.

Now, you must also take into account the fact that your site must be attractive to others and they must know about your site. You must also update your content frequently.

But- the upside is, as a 18 year old, the chance for you to create a business and write about something that you enjoy- and even maybe get paid in the process- is priceless.

These are just some of the ideas we are exploring at our high school (CATEC) that allows students to own their education and prepare them for 21st century careers.

Check out www.catec.org to find out more.